As Cooper has gotten older I’ve really enjoyed beginning to take him to kid-friendly activities around Charlotte. It’s fun to watch him interact with other kids plus learn and experience new things. I also like getting him out of the house during the week since he is at home with our nanny full-time.
Fortunately, Charlotte has lots of options for activities that are both free and require a small fee. In fact, there are so many options it seems overwhelming when researching what the options are, what times they are available, and whether they receive good feedback from other parents.
Well, that is where this post comes in! I’ve created a list of 15 baby and toddler activities in Charlotte with all the important information parents need. I’ve put in a lot of time researching these activities and really hope this is helpful for my readers. You’ll see it’s organized by “free” and “requires a fee”.
I have even included a working mommas section at the end for specific activities that are available on the weekends or evening. I certainly know how frustrating it is to feel like everything goes on during the week when you’re at work.
I was going to create a full calendar format until I found this website that offers a great list of activities by date. It’s been the best site I’ve found especially when you want to look at the activities by a specific day of the week. Use it as a great compliment for my list below.
As always thanks for reading and I hope this is a great resource for you!
Activity List:
Free:
#1: Library Story-time
Includes books read aloud, songs, dancing, instruments, and toys
This link will take you to the full calendar of storytimes across all Mecklenburg County Librarys.
When: Options every day except for Sundays. It usually lasts about 30 minutes.
Ages: This is a great activity for all ages ranging from 3 months to preschool age.
Pro Tips:
- One of the best free options in Charlotte! You get socialization, education, songs, all at once!
- I’ve tried a lot of them and my favorites are Morrison and the South County Library off Rea Road. The Myers Park’s parking situation makes it one of most difficult logistically in my opinion.
- Many offer Saturday options!
Other Storytime Options:
Barnes and Noble Storytime
- Arboretum – Toddler Tuesdays at 9:30am and most Saturdays at 11:00am
- Morrision – Toddler Wednesdays at 11:00am and most Saturdays at 11:00am
- Carolina Place Most Saturdays at 11:00am
#2: Imaginon:
Combination of a library and children’s theater with lots of activities inside for all ages
This link will take you to their website for more information. Yes, this is technically a library but it’s really so much more!
Location: Uptown near 7th Street Market
When: Mon-Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday and Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun. 1-5pm
Ages: Great for babies that can pull up to stand, toddlers, and preschoolers
Pro Tips:
- There are little activity areas scattered throughout the building that are perfect for young toddlers.
- They offer free parking for one hour in their garage.
- You can walk across the street to First Ward Park to enjoy the splash pad and large lawn or grab lunch at 7th Street market while watching the light rail go by.
#3: Southpark Mall Outdoor Playground
Fun playground area with a slide, tunnels to crawl through, and things to jump on
Location: In between Dicks and the food court at Southpark Mall
Ages: Great for crawlers and young toddlers. The floor is a soft turf material and the things to climb on are smaller size. Preschoolers are a little too big for this one in my opinion.
Pro Tips:
- The turf can get a little hot and it’s not completely covered so avoid super hot days.
- We’ve loved this area for Cooper since about 11 months. It could use a good cleaning but otherwise it’s a great space.
- Grab lunch at the food court inside the mall.
#4: Toys and Co
Big toy store located in the Cotswold shopping center. They have lots of toys sitting out for kids to play with including activity tables, kitchen sets, trains, etc.
Location: Toys and Co Music Store off Sharon Amity Road
Ages: Great for all ages! A young toddler is the best age to play with the toys they have sitting out.
Pro Tips:
- Visit their Facebook page for updates
- You can spend a morning or afternoon in this area by visiting the toy store, having lunch at Panera and stopping by the Pet Smart.
#5: Airport Overlook
Watch airplanes take off and land at the airport! Large open space with parking lot, picnic tables, and benches.
Location: 4355 Airport Overlook Drive
When: Open daily from 8am-10:30pm
Ages: Toddlers and Preschoolers
Pro Tips:
- There is no shade in the area so plan for sunscreen and maybe a hat for kiddos.
- No restrooms provided in the area
#6: PetSmart
Lots of animals to see such as dogs, cats, guinea pigs, fish, mice, etc.
Location: Cotswold Village, Caroline Pavillion, Tyvola Square
When: 8am-9pm except for Sundays (closes at 7pm)
Ages: All but better for walkers
Pro Tips:
- On weekends they usually have animals in the middle of the store in cages that you can pet
- In the mornings they have doggie daycare/camp and a huge glass viewing area to watch the dogs play
- Toys and Co is right next to Petsmart at Cotswold Village so visit both if you make a trip. There is also a Panera and barbeque place for lunch.
#7: Splash Pads
This link will take you to a list of all spray grounds located at Mecklenburg County Parks.
When: All County Park Splash Pads are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10am-8:00pm.
Other splash pad locations: Blakeney Shopping Center, Waverly, The Green off Tryon Street Uptown, Northlake Mall, and Birkdale Village.
Ages: Best for babies and toddlers that are walking.
Pro Tips:
- The water is cold so make sure it’s a hot day!
- First Ward Park is my favorite so far. You can park at Imaginon and check that out first and then walk across the street to the splash pad. It’s also really big so the kids aren’t on top of each other. Second place would be Veterans Park b/c it’s also really large and covered which can be safer in the really hot summer months. Plenty of parking is provided there.
- Parents, wear comfy clothes that you don’t mind getting wet!
Requires a fee:
#8: Music Together
Music classes offering a wide variety of songs, dancing, and instruments in a small group setting
Visit this link to view more detailed class schedules, locations, and sign up information.
Cost:
- $199 for the first child and $160 for the second for 9-week session tuition for the Dilworth, Myers Park Baptist Church, JCC and Open Door locations
- $179 for the first child and $140 for the second for South Charlotte, Lake Norman and Lake Wylie.
Ages: They offer classes for all ages but I think 9 + months would get more out of it
Pro Tips:
- We started this class in fall 2017 at the JCC location and Cooper has loved it! I haven’t met anyone yet that didn’t love this program
- They offer a free intro class to check it out
- They offer summer and holiday classes for a discounted price
#9: Little Gym/My Gym
Both are fun activity gyms that offer parents/child classes, gymnastics and birthday parties. They have a variety of mats, balance beams, and other gymnastics equipment to teach balance and strength.
Location: Two locations off of Providence Road and in Ballantyne.
Cost: Free intro class. Annual membership of $50 and then $17-19 per class depending on package
Ages: Offer parent/child classes from 4 months – 3 years
Location: Two locations off Park Road and in Blakeney
Cost: Free intro class. $75 lifetime membership fee and then $79 every four weeks which covers 4 classes.
Ages: Offer parent/child classes from 6 weeks
Pro Tips for Both:
- Parents get pretty involved with these classes so be ready to participate!
- We’ve tried both of these gyms and loved both of them. If I had to pick one though it would be My Gym. They just had a wider variety of options and the gym was larger.
#10: Club Gymboree
Fun play gym/activity center with no formal classes, just free play.
Visit this link to check out their website.
Location: Ballantyne
Hours: M-F 9am-6pm and Sat. and Sun. 9am-12pm
Cost: $60 for one child per month, $70 for two children per month. One time $25 registration fee per family.
Ages: 6 mo to 5 years
Pro Tips:
- Their big selling point is no class schedules to work around. You visit anytime during their operating hours for some informal fun
- Cooper has been here twice and enjoyed himself. I prefer the more structured classes like MyGym but this is a great less expensive alternative that is way more flexible. Everything seemed really clean and well maintained
#11: Superior Play Systems
Swing set and trampoline company that offers free play in their huge playground
Visit this link to check out their website.
Location: Near Westinghouse Blvd. off 77
Hours: M-F 10am-6pm, Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 12pm-4pm
Cost: $6 all day Mon-Fri and $8 Sat and Sun
Ages: This is going to best for older toddlers that can easily play on swing sets and trampolines.
Pro Tips:
- Perfect activity when it’s raining or really hot or cold days
- They offer play on the equipment plus trampolines and basketball goals.
#12: Tot Time at Gymnastics Centers
Unsupervised free play at local gymnastics gyms.
Perfect Balance Training Center
Location: Off Monroe Road in between Costwold and Matthews
Cost: $5.00/Cash or $6.00/Credit per Visit per Walking Child or $25/Month Unlimited Visits 1st Child & $10/Month Each Additional Child
When: Monday – Friday 11:30am-12:30pm
No pre-registration necessary
Location: Pineville area near Carolina Place Mall
Cost: $5.00 per visit or Monthly Unlimited Access: $30.00 for Carolina Flipz members and $40.00 for Non Members
When: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:30am – 12:00pm (check online calendar beforehand)
Location: Off Monroe Road in Matthews
Cost: $3/child or $5 max per family.
When: Monday – Friday 10:30am-12:00pm
#13: Discovery Place
Family of museums providing STEM education. Three different types and locations now available: Kids, Nature, and Science
Childrens museum featuring developmentally-appropriate experiences that encourage interactive learning through imagination and fun
Location: Huntersville
Hours: T – 9am-8:00pm, W-F 9am-4pm, Sat 9am-5:00pm, Sun 12pm-5:00pm
Cost: $11 for adults and children. Become a member for $150 for yearly family membership. Other member options available
Pro Tips:
- This location is much better for young babies and toddlers vs. the other locations
- They offer Toddler Time classes on the first and third Tuesday of every month
- Free parking available right by their location
Educational experiences and exhibits all about the wonders of science which includes an aquarium, IMAX theater, and toddler/kids specific play area
Location: Uptown Charlotte
Hours: M-F 9am-4pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 12pm-5pm
Cost: $19 for adults and $15 for children. $150 for yearly family membership
Pro Tips:
- Toddler area (Kids Science) is great for young babies/toddlers as well as the aquarium. The upstairs is better for preschoolers plus which is more of the science side. I think it’s totally worth it for toddlers!
- They have a restaurant onsite.
- Parking deck located at the corner of church and 6th street. First hour is free and $12.00 after that
Educational experiences all about connecting with nature including exhibits, planetarium shows and a natural trail
Location: Right at Freedom Park in the Myers Park area
Hours: T- 9am-8pm, W-F 9am-4pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 12pm-5pm
Cost: $8 for adults and children. $150 yearly membership fee
Pro Tips:
- Offer Storytime Tuesdays at 11am
- Free parking offered at the museum
#14: Swim Lessons
Parent/Child classes with a swim instructor
Location: In between Sardis and Independence
Cost: $75 per month for one, half hour class per week. $35 annual registration fee
Ages: 6+ Months
Pros Tips:
- I’ve heard lots of really great things about this company.
- Pools have chlorine but are lower levels than most public pools
Location: Pineville Matthews and Johnston Road
Cost: $20 per lesson for group session and $45 for private (one class per week). $35 registration fee
Ages: 3-6 months for baby bonding and 6 + Months for actual lessons
Pro Tips:
- I’ve also heard good really good things about this company.
- They use a water sanitation system that allows for a chlorine-free pool
Location: Off of Monroe Road near Sardis
Cost: They seem to only do private lessons here. $286 total for 11 weeks of 20 min. sessions and $429 for 11 weeks of 30 min. sessions.
Ages: 18+ Months
Location: Locations in Myers Park, Matthews, and Ballantyne
Ages: 4+ Months
Cost: $89 per month for one lesson per week, $168 per month for 2 lessons per week
**The JCC and YMCA’s also offer swim lessons
#15: Lazy Five Ranch
Exotic animal park and petting zoo
Visit this link to learn more on their site.
Location: Mooresville
Cost: $16 for adults (includes wagon ride), $11 Kids (includes wagon ride)
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am- Sunset, Sunday 1pm- Sunset
Ages: All ages are go but in my opinion between for 12+ months so they can really appreciate it.
Pro Tips:
- This place is crazy! You literally get up close and personal with exotic animals like Zebras and Giraffes
- You can either take their wagon ride or drive through in your car. I personally prefer doing the wagon ride
- They have a picnic table area if you want to have lunch or a snack
Working Mommas: These Activities are available on weekends
- Saturday Storytime at the Library
- Imaginon- open evenings and weekends
- Barnes and Noble Saturday Storytime options at all locations
- My Gym and Little Gym offer Saturday drop-in classes
- Most swim academies offer Saturday class options
- All Discovery Place locations have Saturday hours
- Club Gymboree has Saturday and Sunday Hours
- Superior Play Systems offers Saturday and Sunday Hours
- Lazy Five Ranch is open on weekends
Really great summary! We also like the parks uptown. 4th ward park has a pretty view of the city, a nice walking path, and a small playground near an open grassy area.
Thank you so much for such a great list!!! I would also include local playgrounds/parks – we love squirrel lake park (I think that’s the name?) in Matthews, and the Matthews Library has a great play area (and lunch at the picnic table next to the huge red caboose), Freedom park has a fully fenced in toddler/preschool age playground that is huge and perfect on a pretty day! (The playground I’m referring to is located off Princeton Rd. Near the ball fields). Also, going for a walk on the greenway is one of our family’s favorite things to do – baby in stroller, big kids on scooters (We have a 1 year old, 4 year old & 6 year old).
Music.4.Life in Plaza Midwood offers Kindermusik which we’ve been doing for eight months (since daughter was 10 months old.) We haven’t tried Music Together but I imagine they are similar programs. It is such a wonderful experience and the owner, Betsy is highly talented both musically and with kids. Please consider adding with your next updates!
Thank you for these! I grew up in Charlotte myself, I now live out of the area but am bringing my 9 month old daughter and we are so looking forward to doing some of these! The notes were especially helpful for planning.